New to the group so I apologize if this 4R vs. LC horse already lays dead in the trail.

First, some background: A buddy and I are planning to do the 2009 Budapest to Bamako (Mali) Rally next January. We plan to buy a vehicle in the US (Cali.), ship it to Europe ($2-2.5K), and then head off on the 5,800 mile race/excursion to Bamako. The vehicle must be street legal for the most part since the first few hundred miles are across Europe. In Africa, we will see lots of dirt roads and a fair amount of soft sand. Once in Bamako, the truck will be sold.

Budget for the truck, Africanized, FOB the Port of Long Beach is about $7,000.

To Africanize the vehicle, I’d like to beef up the suspension a little, add bigger wheels (+2 spares), maybe a bigger radiator, roof rack, front skid plate/push bar and of course fully service the engine, transmission, and breaks. I’d also like to remove whatever smog equipment is practical.

Speed is much less important than reliability and ability to get through the sand.

After checking Autotrader and Cars dot com, I’ve narrowed the field of candidates to early 90s 4Runners and late 80s/early 90s Land Cruisers.

So any general comments on the 4Runner vs. Land Cruiser question?

My impression is that the 4R actually makes a better 4 wheeler, is this correct?

Also, I’m a little leary of heading off across Africa with all of the power options (windows, door locks, etc.) that come on the LCs of that age.

How about the Toyota automatic transmission? While the five speed may be optimal for performance, there are a lot more trucks with automatics to choose from. I’ve had good luck with Toyota automatics in the past.

What do ya think?

Thanks for the help. I'm gonna need it.  

well... i'm not sure of the specs. but i know that the land cruiser is much heavier then the 4 runner... it's a veritable tank... so if it were up to me i'd take the 4-runner... as for the automatic/manual question... an automatic runs much hotter and requires the extra cooling for the transmission fluid and what not... so for sand and some really hot arid running i'd go with the manual... easier to keep running and to keep cool...  

That is a really tough question... I'll have to think about it and get back to you...

I don't think you could go wrong with either of them, honestly.  

The 4R will be smaller, better gas mileage, and get into tighter spaces.  The LC is a very capable offroader, but as stated weighs in at around 6000 lbs. stock.  Between the two, the LC will make your trip much more comfy and fit more gear in it.  You can go to www.IH8MUD.com and find all the info you could possibly need to make your decisions.  Great bunch of people from all over the world who are happy to answer ?'s.  I personaaly own a 97'LC and wouldn't trade it for anything!